New Jersey is a state which boasts a tremendous amount of American history and cultural happenings. In fact, New Jersey was the site of both the first baseball game and the first college football game in the country.
Here are some facts about New Jersey related to its history that you may not know about.
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1. The American Revolution
A primary battleground location during the American Revolution, the state of
New Jersey was the site of more than 100 battles, which were fought for the independence of the country.
According to Crossroads of the American Revolution, George Washington and his army spent more time in New Jersey than any other state. The battles of Trenton and Princeton were both significant, leading to the British losing their stronghold in the area.
2. Atlantic City
The location of the world's first boardwalk, the Atlantic City boardwalk was built in 1870 with the initial intention of stopping an excess of sand being tracked into hotel lobbies and railroad cars.
According to History.com, the Atlantic City boardwalk is also where saltwater taffy was born.
Another mentionable event happened in 1935 when police arrested 42 male beachgoers for not wearing their shirts when they went to the beach.
3. An Industrial Leader
History.com gives insight into why New Jersey was named "The Garden State." There are more cranberries, blueberries and tomatoes grown in New Jersey than anywhere else.
NETSTATE reports that New Jersey became a manufacturing leader due to its extensive transportation industry. Its numerous canals, roads, railroads and ports made it an ideal location for trade and commerce.
4. Indian Heritage
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According to History.com, Burlington County, New Jersey, was the location of one of the first Indian reservations in the entire country. Established by the Lenni-Lenape tribe, this was also the only Indian reservation that ever existed in the state.
5. Dinosaur Discovery
Known as the Hadrosaurus foulkii, the first complete dinosaur skeleton that was found in the United States was unearthed in Haddonfield, New Jersey. Discovered by William Parker Foulke in 1858, the skeleton not only proved that dinosaurs really existed, but that some were able to walk using only two legs.
According to History.com, it was also the very first dinosaur skeleton in the world to be put on display for the public to see.
6. Thomas Edison
Menlo Park, New Jersey, is where Thomas Edison called home.
History.com reports that he crafted hundreds of inventions in his laboratory, including the phonograph and the electric-powered railway. His main accomplishments which occurred in New Jersey were the perfection of the light bulb and finding a means to distribute electricity on a grand scale.
7. The Holland Tunnel
Positioned approximately 93 feet beneath the Hudson River,
History.com reports that the Holland Tunnel became the first underwater tunnel to be ventilated mechanically. It opened up for car travel to connect New York and New Jersey on November 13, 1927.
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